This book chronicles the unforgettable account of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. It is the story of Dave Pelzer, who was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother: a mother who played ...

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ITEM#: 2647856

This book chronicles the unforgettable account of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. It is the story of Dave Pelzer, who was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother: a mother who played tortuous, unpredictable games--games that left him nearly dead. He had to learn how to play his mother's games in order to survive because she no longer considered him a son, but a slave; and no longer a boy, but an "it."

Dave's bed was an old army cot in the basement, and his clothes were torn and raunchy. When his mother allowed him the luxury of food, it was nothing more than spoiled scraps that even the dogs refused to eat. The outside world knew nothing of his living nightmare. He had nothing or no one to turn to, but his dreams kept him alive--dreams of someone taking care of him, loving him and calling him their son.

Customer Reviews

The author and subject matter of the book has become a part of popular culture. Nothing compares to reading the story from the actual survivor. This is a must read for any mandated reporter or adult that comes into contact with children. Knowing the signs of abuse could save the life of a child.

I don't know if I should say that I "enjoyed" the book, given the terrible abuses it relates, but it certainly was very interesting and I went on to read the other two books in the series. It made me want to be a better parent myself.

This book was so powerful, Made me realize that some children out there go though abusive situation everyday, and it's sad what people would do. This is a great book. I would recommend it to anyone. Everyone should read it at least once.

Very difficult subject matter. Necessary to get out there, but don't get it if you want to relax and read.
A little less than I expected too. A lot of repetitive stuff. You feel for the guy, but he's not a very good author...

It's difficult to believe that a mother could hate her own child. What's even more difficult to believe is that she got away with the obvious for so long. What an amazing story of triumph and the will to survive under the most haneous of situations. He deserves a medal for his bravery and courage. I will purchase his other 2 books just to see the outcome. P.S. The wrong book is displayed on this site.

This is a captivating read. One that should be required reading for every student of high school age, for every pregnant woman and the father of the pregnant woman. I've seen abusive situations on TV. DAVE PELZER, God bless him, went beyond abusiveness, he went through h*** and back way too many times.I will wait unti I read Dave's next two books of this trilogy, The Lost Boy and a Man Named Dave, to decide what should happen to the woman who gave life to Dave. She is the real "IT". Only real mother's deserve to be called mother for which she is most definitely no candidate.

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